Overweight school bags

As a result of carrying heavy school bags, a growing number of children in South Asian countries are having back pain and spinal abnormalities, conditions that can be permanent for the rest of their lives. Why do children have to carry so many books? Why do we feel the need to burden their little shoulders with bags so heavy? It is high time teachers and parents sat together to find a solution to this problem. Childhood is a precious time. Children should be able to play, sing and feel free, instead of being 'chained' to overweight bags.